The effect of curcumin supplementation on nutritional status, glucose and lipid pattern, blood pressure, inflammatory status, oxidative stress, infection and early graft function in patients after kidney transplantation

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Kidney transplant recipients face numerous complications, including delayed graft function (DGF), cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Curcumin has demonstrated potential in mitigating these factors and improving renal function; however, existing studies report conflicting results. This study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin-piperine supplementation on glycemic and lipid profiles, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, hematologic indices, infection rates, and early renal function in post-transplant patients. Methods and Materials: In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 50 brain-dead donor kidney recipients were randomly assigned to either a supplement or placebo group. The intervention group received one daily capsule containing 500 mg curcumin with 5 mg piperine, while the placebo group received 505 mg maltodextrin for 90 days. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline and endpoint using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Serum lipid and glucose profiles, hematologic parameters, renal function markers (creatinine reduction ratio for DGF assessment), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, CRP), oxidative stress indicators (glutathione peroxidase), and infection rates (via urine/blood/drain cultures, leukocyte esterase, and procalcitonin levels) were measured. Results: At baseline, only BMI differed significantly between groups (lower in the curcumin group). After adjusting for baseline values and BMI, the curcumin group exhibited significantly lower CRP, serum creatinine, total cholesterol/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios compared to placebo (p < 0.05). Curcumin supplementation also reduced DGF incidence. Covariance analysis revealed higher protein intake, HDL-C levels, glutathione peroxidase activity, and ≥30% creatinine reduction (day 2 vs. day 1 post-transplant) in the curcumin group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Curcumin-piperine supplementation may improve dyslipidemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and early graft function in kidney transplant recipients. These findings suggest its potential as an adjunct therapy for post-transplant complications. Larger, long-term studies are warranted to validate these outcomes. Keywords: Curcumin, delayed graft function, kidney transplantation, inflammation, oxidative stress